NAIROBI: The government has officially launched an emergency evacuation exercise for hundreds of Kenyan nationals currently trapped in South Africa, following a volatile surge in anti-foreigner sentiment and widespread unrest.

The first cohort of 26 safely evacuated citizens arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday morning, received by a multi-agency state team that provided immediate consular services and psychosocial support.

The activation comes just 48 hours after emergency protocols were triggered on Sunday, with another 64 Kenyans scheduled to touch down later in the day.

With more than 200 citizens having already formalized repatriation requests out of acute fear for their safety, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs has pledged to sustain flight operations until every citizen who wishes to leave is returned home safely.

Xenophobia crisis

The escalating situation in South Africa has drawn panic from several migrant communities across the continent.

Ahead of looming enforcement deadlines, thousands of foreign nationals, including citizens from various other African countries, have abandoned their homes over the last few weeks, seeking refuge in heavily guarded temporary camps while awaiting processing.

“The Government is also facilitating alternative travel arrangements for additional citizens and will continue repatriation efforts until all who wish to return are safely home. We remain steadfast in our duty to champion and protect the welfare of Kenyans abroad,” the state’s official statement read.

To handle the fluid nature of the crisis, the government has activated a 24-hour Diaspora Response and Call Centre directly linked to the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria.

For those unable to secure immediate passage or currently waiting out the repatriation process, the state has issued a strict advisory matrix which includes advising them citizens to remain indoors where possible during demonstrations and completely steer clear of protest areas, mass gatherings, and epicenters of potential friction.

Secondly,uUnder no circumstances should individuals engage in confrontations or arguments with hostile groups or individuals exhibiting xenophobic behavior.

Kenyans must also carry valid, up-to-date identification documents at all times to facilitate smooth coordination with state teams.

The affected persons have been urged to closely follow security instructions issued by the local South African authorities, official communication from the Kenya High Commission, domestic media broadcasts, and trusted Kenyan diaspora community leadership networks.